Answers to the questions

Some time ago we asked if there were any questions you would like to have answered by Ringu Tulku. Two questions came up:

Some advice on whether euthanasia for an animal is a bad thing, I have heard buddhist teachings say you should let the animal exhaust negative karma or something like this, I still struggle with this advice, it seems to go against a deeper feeling that ending the animal’s suffering (as instructed is best by a vet) is what is right to do – the most caring and kind thing. Perhaps being there and able to do this – end a painful death, is meaning that we should intervene? If the karma was to be exhausted through a slow suffering death, then why did I even come across the animal at this time, or why was it born in a country where vets can end an animals painful death.

When my father died he was so heavily dosed with morphine he was unconscious. I have always thought it best to be conscious when I die but if I was in pain, my mind would not be clear or happy and if I had medication to stop the pain, I could be like a drunk.
I would like to know Rinpoche’s advice on the use of medication at the time of death if the person is in pain.

2 Comments

Thank you Margaret for this today’s post. And thanks to Rimpoche for giving us so deep and sensitive advice on such topics as how to cope with the very end of our lives, when sometimes they become no longer precious at all.
I am happy that the situation is to be appreciated “one by one”
All the best to you all.
Marie Negre